October 2006
Celebration of
ATONEMENT
Newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church,
Rev. Tina Koenig Ray, BCC, Pastor
"Called by God to serve and witness to all in response to God’s grace."
———————————————————————————————————
F
rom the Pastor…
"Another Miracle is born in Janesville", the headline read. Perhaps the fact that Miracle’s job isn’t done is why the Heider’s were ‘blessed’ with another white buffalo. 12 years ago, in 1994, Miracle the White Buffalo was born. To many Native Americans, primarily the plains tribes, she was a symbol of peace. A long time ago, back before Wal-Mart and PDA’s, (just a little Indian humor for ya) White Buffalo Calf Woman came to the People and brought a message of
peace and prosperity. Since that time white female buffalos have been held to be sacred. (Other Native Tribes consider any animal that is white to be holy and sacred.) Non-natives have also revered Miracle and the message she brought with her. Who knows what having this male white buffalo born on their farm will bring for the Heiders or for the rest of us.I’m writing this newsletter article on the eve of the 5th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. History will forever be divided into ‘before’ and ‘after’ 9/11/01, at least for the citizens of the United States of America. That was the day that we discovered the horror and agony that the rest of the world has felt for years as the result of terrorist bombings and attacks. It has left a bitter taste in our mouths and an ember of fear and anger burning in our hearts. "How dare they attack us on our own soil," is a question not unlike the one that a cancer patient asks when they ask, "Why did this happen to me?"
One of my hospice patients said, "Oh No, Pastor. I don’t ask that, ‘why me?’ I say why not me?" She continued, "What makes me think I’m so special or immune to the tragedies and tribulations of life? I say, ‘Why not me.’ God is with me regardless."
We too can say, "Whether I live or whether I die, I am the Lord’s." As we read in Romans 14:8, "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Nothing can change that. Our world may change. In fact, our world will change, for life is like a river in constant motion. My prayer is that you are riding in the palm of the Creator’s comforting hand down that sometimes calm, sometimes turbulent, always changing, river of life. Perhaps this little white one that was born on Dave and Val’s farm will be a harbinger of peace. Time will tell us.
Such a little one needs some help, don’t you think? How can you help to bring about peace, shalom, in your corner of the world? What about the people in areas of the world that you can’t see or get to? Can you pray for peace for them? ‘Course ya can.
As we continue to wait for peace; as we continue to make adjustments to our travel time in the name of security; as we continue to support our troops; as we support our President (God help the person who wants to be president, not I, not I!) and Leaders, even though we may disagree with them, I offer you this prayerful thought: May gentle prayer for peace flow through our minds, filling our hearts and emboldening our bodies so that peace may drip like honey from our fingertips as we let shalom (peace) flow out from us - to those around us. May YHWH bring about peace. Amen.
——————————-
October is Stewardship month here at Atonement. The Stewardship Committee is planning a month long time period for reaching a goal of $95,000 in contributions to aid in creating our budget for 2007.
Please consider increasing your contribution to help this become a reality.
From the Council President ....
With the beginning of the Autumn season brings a couple of new opportunities for us as Christians to serve others who need our help.
Of course our first opportunity is the Beloit College students and their need for a home cooked meal and some parental-type conversation with us as hosts for the YAG meals on Sunday evenings. We need to realize that sometimes the students aren't always able to attend, but they do really appreciate what we are doing for them. So, on those evenings when none of the students show up just think of it as an opportunity for you to bond with Pastor.
The second opportunity for us to serve is the Latino ministry that was begun at Calvary, but to this point has no where to call home because of the new "ministry in transistion" of Pella and Calvary. These people are asking us for help in many different ways. First they need our prayers that they will succeed in their ministry to the Latino community. Second, they are asking if they could possibly use our church to hold their services. We will be meeting with Pastor Neddy in the near future to find out what other needs they may have. As for right now your prayers that their ministry will begin to thrive will be a great help to them.
Lastly, we will need some volunteers to help with the Quilt Show October 7th, both with setting up before the show and with cleaning up after the show. If you can help please notify Carole Doubleday or Janice Mitchell. We need everyone's help to make this show the success that we all want it to be.
Yours in Christ,
Bruce Johnson
August financial update as of 8/31/06
Total income for August $ 7538.80
Total expenses for August -$ 8166.36
Net income (August 2006) $ - 215.76 —————————-
August/September Worship
Date
Attendance General Fund Maint. CansAug
adults/youth
20 48/1 $1094.00 $ 26.00 $27.31
27 61/1 $1324.00 $ 5.00 $32.13
Sept
adults/youth3 57/4 $2724.30 $ 60.00 $48.00
10 54/0 $1991.09 $ 20.00 $45.55
——————-—————
Due to the new privacy laws regarding health information, the hospital will not release the names of patients. So if you are going into the hospital, or know someone who is hospitalized, please call the church office, or let Pastor Tina know.
——————-—————
ë
The Bulletin BoardThe following items are posted in more detail in the Klingberg Chapel:
ë
Photos from our National Night Out block partyë
August Council Minutesë
Caritas newest list of needsë
Voluntary Action Center volunteers needed listing
The value structure of the congregation will be reflected in its spiritual
nature. The core of the congregation's value structure will find expression in and through its worship and spiritual life. There will be a healthier, more vibrant disposition within the congregation as prayers, hymns and sermon content reflect and reinforce the core value structure, which supports the congregation and guides its actions and preference for expressing its nature.
Generally, values can be organized into four categories: Service,
Accomplishment, Mutuality and Structuring. This month you will learn more about the basics of the Service and Accomplishment Value Structures. The remaining two will be explained in the third installment, which will be published in the October newsletter.
The goal of Service Value Structures is to strive to help and assist others. Sensitivity, loyalty and caring are essential. These values lead one into caring about people and being interested in facts and details about them. Those with a Service value orientation tend to be less interested in things. Congregations directed by Service values thrive in well-structured, conventional environments. Their spirituality will be centered in a caring God. This spirituality fosters a morality that judges who is good or bad. In some cases those that are bad need not ask for help. While some Service valued congregations will readily maintain their organizational structures, others with this orientation will find participation in the polity laborious and distracting from being able to serve others. Congregations oriented toward Service values tend to be grounded in tradition; both in practices and in common belief. This framework provides a secure structure necessary to allow the congregation to reach out to others, giving care and tangible support. However, newcomers may sense that they will need to prove themselves in order to gain acceptance.
Congregations with an orientation toward Service values will maintain a healthier balance when a certain amount of care is reciprocated. The care they tend to need is quite different from the type of care they prefer to give. Care will be received through worship focus in which they sense the love of God. This relationship with God calls this congregation to a life of service. In fellowship, the members sense the support of
others, and through positive leadership, pastoral and lay, their doing for others is affirmed; serving others together.
Accomplishment values tend to be task oriented. The congregation finds
purpose and meaning in what it accomplishes. This congregation will depend on the Law to bring order to life. They tend not to question
beliefs once established and rely on traditional structures to lead them in the way they must go. Members who have not been born into the congregation may sense that they have never been fully accepted.
Spiritually, this congregation will find direction in Bible verses such as
James 18c, "I, by my works will show you my faith." Actions do speak louder than words for the Accomplishment structured congregation. This leads to a focus on responsibilities, including social responsibility and morality. Moral judgments and being clear about whom or what is right or wrong will direct the spiritual path. Therefore, knowing that guiding beliefs are held in common is important to this congregation. They will strive to have a common collective attitude toward such things as type of worship, use of property and resources, divorce, gays and lesbians, those of other religions, particular community concerns, etc. "That to which we commit ourselves is essential in order that we may work together; accomplishing what we are called to do."
——————————————
Synod Financial report
October Flower
& Fellowship Schedule
Eternal Candle:
The Eternal Candle for October is from EdSchneider in memory of Joyce
Altar Guild: Susan Grade
Weekly Beloit Daily News ad:
Nels & Phyllis Steele & Irene Baker——————————————————————
October 1
Flowers:
Gary & Jeanne Cole for Laurel C. Wagner’s birthdayBread of Heaven: open
Fellowship: open
Acolyte: open
Kids Korner: Alexis Anderson
Y.A.G. Host: open
October 8
Flowers: Doris Betz in honor of her and Ed’s birthdays
Bread of Heaven: Doris Betz
Fellowship: open
Acolyte: open
Kids Korner: open
Y.A.G Host:
Marge & Roland Mueller
October 15
Flowers: Bonnie & Duane Ottow in memory of their parents
Bread of Heaven: Irene Baker, Nels & Phyllis Steele
Fellowship: Irene Baker, Nels & Phyllis Steele
Acolyte: open
Kids Korner: Kimberly Davies
October 22
Flowers:
Ed Schneider in memory of JoyceBread of Heaven: open
Fellowship: Dick & Janice Adney
Acolyte: open
Kids Korner: open
October 29
Reformation DayFlowers:
Bob Kristianson in memory of his brotherBread of Heaven: Cheryl Ramczyk & Adeline Swain Fellowship: Cheryl Ramczyk
Acolyte: open
Kids Korner: Maggie Janke
Y.A.G Host: open
Daylight Savings Time ends today!
————————————
October Birthdays (not just 70+ anymore!)
10/2 Evelyn Herkis 10/12 Brooks Mitchell
10/3 Rollyn Affeldt 10/14 William Hoefer
10/7 Erika Hoefer 10/24 Janice Adney
10/8 Robert Kilday 10/31 Ezekiel Wheaton
10/9 Doris Betz
October Baptism Anniversaries
10/14 David Rounds 10/19 Ken Affeldt
10/16 Rollyn Affeldt 10/27 Richard Berner
——————————
Newsletter Articles
November Newsletter Articles are due
Monday, October 16th. Newsletters will be assembled on Friday, October 20th.———————————-
The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mike, and as he preached, he moved briskly about the
platform, jerking the mike cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again. After several
circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned
toward her mother and whispered,
"If he gets loose, will he hurt us?"
A.S.A.P.
Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.
There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
A.S.A.P. -ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
Greetings from 837 Oak Street-Beloit,
The Thrivent Builds Homes project team is grateful for the break in the heat wave. The roof on the house and garage was finished this last Saturday. Praise God for all the help we had getting this difficult job done. I personally had the pleasure of working with a wonderful young man who lives between Madison and Janesville. He found out about our project on the internet. Without his help on Saturday, August 26, we would not have finished with the roof. Again, I am reminded of the truth that often times one person can really make a difference. It was also humbling for me to watch a young woman work on the roof from 8:30am until 2:00pm only to stop because she had to go to work!
These are pictures from the roofing work being done Saturday, August 19. Most of the work on this day was being done by women with an age range of 25-58! I am urging all those of you who have not been part of this yet to jump right in. I’m sure that you will be inspired, as I have been. No experience necessary! There are experienced people on site to guide you through. Next, we will be siding, and if the crew is large enough, we can start dry walling at the same time.
Heartfelt thanks go out to Atonement Lutheran Church for their fund raising efforts this month. They have provided floor covering for the bathroom and master bedroom.
How do you get in on this? 1)Just show up at 9:00am this next Saturday and most every Saturday through November 2)Call the habitat office at 754-1228 and talk to Eric or leave a message 3) Make www.rockcountyhabitat.org one of the favorites on your computer 4) Ask Eric to put you on the e-mail list so you can get weekly updates 4)Call Kathy Swain at 365-7603 5) Your club or group can bring the crew lunch any Saturday, call Eric to get an open Saturday. The month of September is pretty much open.
THANK YOU!
To my friends at Atonement- I would like to thank all my friends of Atonement for all the cards and their visits. And-also to Bob Kristianson and Florence Buchholz for the house calls and their time spent visiting. It has made my recovery go so much farther. I will be moving back home on the 18th of August-and hopefully with God’s will I will be coming back to church soon. God’s Blessings to you all-
Joan Guetschow* * * * * * * * * *
The quilt that some lucky person will win on Saturday, October 7, 2006 at 2 PM at the Cross and Crown Quilt Show was made possible with the cooperation of 12 people.
The people who contributed blocks were Janice Adney, Charleta Affeldt, Marilyn Barnes, Doris Betz, Carole Doubleday, Joan Guetschow, Peggy Johnson, Pastor Tina Koenig Ray, Fern Miller, Marjorie Mueller, Cheryl Ramczyk and Arlene Ruegger. Through their efforts a Queen size quilt in the Cross & Crown pattern was assembled in the colors of blue, green, gold and cream.
—————————————————
Prayers of the Church-
Please notify Pastor Tina or Pattye if there is someone who should be included in the Prayers of the Church on Sunday. Also—-be sure to let them know when prayers are no longer necessary. After one month has passed, the name will be removed from the list unless they know that prayers are needed.—Mutual Ministry Committee————————————-
The fall workshop for WELCA
will be held Saturday, September 30 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 302 N. Parker Drive in Janesville from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This workshop is for all Women of the church, and is especially important for the local officers to attend. The programs includes special speaker Al Schultz and workshop sessions. There is a $5 donation, and luncheon reservations are due by September 25th. Please send to Sharyn Pann, 708 Waterford Drive, Beloit.OPENING YOUR GIFTS OF LEADERSHIP
Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Leadership retreat led by David P. Mayer, Coordinator of Congregational Ministries at Good Hope Lutheran Church, Oil City, Pa., and author of "Our Gifts" published by
Augsburg Fortress in 2002.
The retreat led by Mayer will consider the following topics:
1 "The Congregational Dilemma and the Disciple-Leader"
The
Sisterhood will NOT meet on Tuesday, October 3rd. We will meet Friday, October 6th at 9 AM at the church to set up for the Quilt Show. We encourage all Women of Atonement to come and participate in this fundraiser for our church. Please bring quilts to be displayed to the church Thursday, October 5th between 9 AM and noon.Quilt information cards need to be in the office ASAP! Please bring desserts to the Klingberg Chapel by 9 AM Saturday, October 7th. Door prize donations may be brought to the church Thursday or Friday morning. Any questions call
Carole Doubleday @ 815-624-6163 or Pat Sauser @ 756-1461. Thank you!
The Senior Fair
will be Tuesday, October 24 from 10 AM -2:30 PM at Central Christian Church on Milwaukee Road. This year’s theme is " A Cruse to Wellness" and our ship needs a crew! If you would like to volunteer to help with this event, contact Pastor Tina for details.————————————
Hands of Faith update:
We have joined forces with First Baptist Church. Their co-ordinators, Brenda Allen and Jim Clowes are pictured with our co-ordinator, Nate Anderson. Our next time hosting Hands of Faith is in November.————————————-
A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments. They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if anyone could tell her what it was. Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted,
"Thou shall not take the covers off the neighbor's wife."
Visit Taco John’s restaurant (corner of 4th and Liberty in Beloit or 11180 N. Goede Rd in Edgerton) any Monday in October (2, 9, 16, 23, 30) and save your receipts! Taco John’s will donate back to Atonement 10% of the total of the receipts. A can to collect the receipts will be in the Klingberg Chapel.
—————————
The Water Pistol
When my three year old son opened the birthday gift from his grandmother, he discovered a water pistol. He squealed with delight and headed for the nearest sink. I was not so pleased. I turned to Mom and said "I’m surprised at you. Don’t you remember how we used to drive you crazy with water guns?" Mom smiled and then replied…
"I remember..."